Nick Sandmann's family hires attorney who has handled lawsuits against media outlets

Nick Sandmann's family has hired a high-profile attorney who has handled lawsuits against media outlets.

In a news release sent by the Hemmer DeFrank Wessels law firm, the family announced it has hired L. Lin Wood of Atlanta.

"...Todd McMurtry, the family’s legal counsel, conducted an extensive search to find a nationally-recognized attorney skilled in the fields of libel, defamation, and the First Amendment," the release said.

Wood represented JonBenet Ramsey's brother in a $750 million defamation suit against CBS. The suit accused CBS of ruining Burke Ramsey's reputation after a television series suggested he killed his 6-year-old sister more than two decades ago.

Covington Catholic High School which was closed Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Park Hills, Ky. Tuesday was the first day scheduled for students to be back in school after an incident in Washington DC when students were filmed in an interaction with a Native American man.(Photo: Albert Cesare / The Enquirer)

The terms of the settlement, which was reached earlier this month, were not disclosed.

McMurtry, a Covington resident, will continue to serve the family as co-counsel.

"Mr. Wood brings an unrivaled record of success in the courtroom, having represented such clients as the family of JonBenet Ramsey, former Rep. Gary Condit and Richard Jewell in lawsuits against the media," McMurtry wrote.

"Mr. Wood visited with the family today in northern Kentucky. He is committed to bringing justice to 16-year-old Nick Sandmann and his family. Further announcements should be expected in the next few days."

In 2011, The Washington Post described Wood as an attorney who has "carved out a successful career representing the high-profile and falsely accused, often seeking eye-popping damages for those he believes have been libeled or slandered in the press."

When asked if the announcement signals the Sandmann family is considering a suit against media outlets, McMurtry replied by email: "The Sandmann family has no further comment this evening other than to say all options are on the table."